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Aging-US

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Dec 2, 2024 • 5min

Sleep Deprivation in Dementia: Heart Disease, Diabetes, Anxiety, and Thyroid Disorders

BUFFALO, NY- December 2, 2024 – A new #review was #published on the #cover of Aging (listed by MEDLINE/PubMed as "Aging (Albany NY)" and "Aging-US" by Web of Science) Volume 16, Issue 21, titled, “Sleep deprivation in dementia comorbidities: focus on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, anxiety/depression and thyroid disorders.” The review, authored by Upasana Mukherjee, Ujala Sehar, Malcolm Brownell, and P. Hemachandra Reddy from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, compiles findings from recent studies on how sleep problems—such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and disrupted sleep cycles—can worsen dementia and accelerate cognitive decline. It also emphasizes the profound impact of these sleep disorders on caregivers, who often face burnout and emotional stress. Dementia is a condition that significantly impairs the ability to think, remember, and make decisions, making everyday life increasingly difficult to manage. Sleep problems are a major challenge for individuals with dementia, with more than half experiencing disturbed sleep. These disturbances include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or engaging in nighttime wandering. Such issues go beyond causing fatigue—they accelerate memory loss, increase confusion, and raise the risk of behavioral symptoms like agitation. Addressing sleep challenges is critical to improving quality of life for both patients and their caregivers. Caregivers, who often support loved ones around the clock, face significant stress when dealing with these sleep disorders. “This situation creates a vicious cycle where caregiver distress exacerbates patient symptoms, further increasing the burden on caregivers.” This review also explores how other illnesses, common in older adults with dementia, worsen sleep disturbances. Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, heart disease, and anxiety disrupt sleep, and poor sleep then worsens both the dementia and the underlying illnesses. For instance, untreated sleep apnea can significantly accelerate cognitive decline in people with dementia. To improve sleep for dementia patients, the authors recommend holistic approaches that address both sleep disturbances and related health conditions. Simple changes, such as establishing a regular bedtime routine, reducing nighttime noise, and encouraging daytime physical activity, can significantly enhance sleep quality. Non-pharmacological treatments, including light therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, have also shown promise. Managing coexisting conditions such as diabetes or anxiety can help reduce the severity of sleep issues. The authors emphasize the need for more research into targeted, multidisciplinary approaches to effectively manage sleep disturbances, improve patient well-being, and reduce caregiver stress. In conclusion, this review highlights the critical need for a more comprehensive approach to dementia care. Improving sleep could slow the progression of dementia, reduce caregiver stress, and enhance the quality of life for everyone involved. As dementia cases rise worldwide, addressing sleep issues will become an increasingly important aspect of care. DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206157 Corresponding author - P. Hemachandra Reddy - hemachandra.reddy@ttuhsc.edu Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrrrXabMjjM Subscribe for free publication alerts from Aging - https://www.aging-us.com/subscribe-to-toc-alerts About Aging-US The mission of the journal is to understand the mechanisms surrounding aging and age-related diseases, including cancer as the main cause of death in the modern aged population. Please visit our website at https://www.Aging-US.com. MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM
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Nov 26, 2024 • 6min

Behind the Study: Validating Electronic Frailty Index in National Health System

Dr. Fabienne Hershkowitz Sikron from the Meuhedet Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) in Tel-Aviv, discusses a #research paper she co-authored that was #published in Volume 16, Issue 20 of Aging, entitled “Development and validation of an electronic frailty index in a national health maintenance organization.” DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206141 Corresponding Author - Fabienne Hershkowitz Sikron - fabian_hershkowitz@meuhedet.co.il Video interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pc9_ByZ1_ew Video transcription - https://www.aging-us.com/interviews/validating-electronic-frailty-index-in-national-health-system Abstract Background: Frailty constitutes a major factor that puts the elderly at risk of health and functional deterioration. Objectives: To develop and validate an Electronic Frailty Index based on electronic data routinely collected in the HMO. Study design and setting: A retrospective cohort of the HMO members. Participants: 120,986 patients, aged 65 years and over at the beginning of 2023. Predictors: A cumulative frailty index including 36 medical, functional, and social deficits. Outcomes: One-year all-cause mortality or hospitalization. Statistical analysis: One-year hazard ratios were estimated for composite outcome of mortality or hospitalization using multivariable hierarchical Cox regression. Results: The mean EFI score increased with the Social Security Nursing Benefit. Compared to fit patients, mild, moderate, and severe frailty patients had 2.07, 3.35, and 4.4-fold increased risks of mortality or hospitalization, after controlling for covariates. Conclusions: The findings showed that the Electronic Frailty Index version we created is valid in predicting mortality or hospitalization. In addition, the Electronic Frailty Index converged with an independent measurement produced by National Social Security. Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://aging.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Faging.206141 Subscribe for free publication alerts from Aging - https://www.aging-us.com/subscribe-to-toc-alerts Keywords - aging, frailty, older people, electronic frailty index, electronic health record, health maintenance organization About Aging-US The mission of the journal is to understand the mechanisms surrounding aging and age-related diseases, including cancer as the main cause of death in the modern aged population. The journal aims to promote 1) treatment of age-related diseases by slowing down aging, 2) validation of anti-aging drugs by treating age-related diseases, and 3) prevention of cancer by inhibiting aging. (Cancer and COVID-19 are age-related diseases.) Please visit our website at https://www.Aging-US.com​​ and connect with us: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AgingUS/ X - https://twitter.com/AgingJrnl Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agingjrnl/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AgingJournal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aging/ Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/AgingUS/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1X4HQQgegjReaf6Mozn6Mc MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM
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Nov 26, 2024 • 4min

Nucleoporin93: A Silent Protector in Vascular Health

BUFFALO, NY- November 26, 2024 – This #editorial was #published by Aging (listed by MEDLINE/PubMed as "Aging (Albany NY)" and "Aging-US" by Web of Science) in Volume 16, Issue 17, titled, “The silent protector: Nucleoporin93’s role in vascular health.” Written by Julia Michalkiewicz, Tung D. Nguyen, and Monica Y. Lee from The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, this editorial highlights the critical role of a protein called Nucleoporin93 (Nup93) in maintaining blood vessel health as we age. The authors review new research suggesting that Nup93 could be a key target for treatments to prevent or reduce aging-related diseases, including heart disease and stroke. Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading causes of death worldwide, with aging identified as a major risk factor. Vascular health declines as endothelial cells (EC)—the protective lining of blood vessels—lose their functionality with age. This deterioration leads to inflammation, arterial stiffening, and reduced blood flow, significantly increasing the risk of life-threatening diseases. The authors underscore the urgent need to uncover the molecular mechanisms driving these changes. Nup93 plays an essential role within nuclear pore complexes (NPCs)—gateways that regulate molecular exchanges between the cell nucleus and cytoplasm. Age-related loss of Nup93 disrupts this delicate system, weakening endothelial cells function and accelerating vascular aging. Researchers identified Nup93 as a crucial protector of endothelial health, preventing harmful protein build-ups such as Yes-associated protein (Yap), a known driver of inflammation and cellular aging. Excitingly, scientists have discovered that restoring Nup93 levels in damaged endothelial cells can reverse some of these harmful effects. They also found that blocking Yap can prevent issues caused by low Nup93 levels. These findings highlight the potential for new medicines or therapies to protect blood vessels as people age. The authors propose that future treatments could involve delivering Nup93 directly to damaged blood vessels to restore their health and prevent cardiovascular diseases. They emphasize the importance of further research to uncover why Nup93 levels decrease with age and how restoring it might improve blood vessel function. “These latest discoveries provide a fresh and innovative perspective of EC biology, highlighting NPCs as major regulators of EC health that may underlie mechanisms of vascular aging and disease progression.” In conclusion, the editorial encourages scientists to focus on understanding how endothelial cells stay strong and the role of NPCs in keeping blood vessels healthy. This research could lead to important breakthroughs in slowing down aging and improving people's quality of life. DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206097 Corresponding author - Monica Y. Lee - monicaYL@uic.edu Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=as6opv9_FYM Subscribe for free publication alerts from Aging - https://www.aging-us.com/subscribe-to-toc-alerts About Aging-US The mission of the journal is to understand the mechanisms surrounding aging and age-related diseases, including cancer as the main cause of death in the modern aged population. The journal aims to promote 1) treatment of age-related diseases by slowing down aging, 2) validation of anti-aging drugs by treating age-related diseases, and 3) prevention of cancer by inhibiting aging. (Cancer and COVID-19 are age-related diseases.) Please visit our website at https://www.Aging-US.com​​ and connect with us: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AgingUS/ X - https://twitter.com/AgingJrnl Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agingjrnl/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AgingJournal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aging/ Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/AgingUS/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1X4HQQgegjReaf6Mozn6Mc MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM
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Nov 21, 2024 • 14min

Behind the Study: Longevity Biotechnology - AI, Biomarkers & Geroscience for Healthy Aging

Drs. Alex Zhavoronkov, Morten Scheibye-Knudsen, Evelyne Bischof and Dominika Wilczok discuss a research paper they co-authored that was published as the cover of Aging (Aging-US) Volume 16, Issue 20, entitled, “Longevity biotechnology: bridging AI, biomarkers, geroscience and clinical applications for healthy longevity.” DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206135 Corresponding Authors - Yu-Xuan Lyu - lvyx@sustech.edu.cn, Alex Zhavoronkov - alex@insilico.com, Morten Scheibye-Knudsen - mscheibye@sund.ku.dk, and Daniela Bakula - bakula@sund.ku.dk Video interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nqvJ8cn5Fg Video transcript - https://www.aging-us.com/interviews/longevity-biotechnology-ai-biomarkers-geroscience-for-healthy-aging Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://aging.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Faging.206135 Subscribe for free publication alerts from Aging - https://www.aging-us.com/subscribe-to-toc-alerts Keywords - aging, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, healthy longevity About Aging-US The mission of the journal is to understand the mechanisms surrounding aging and age-related diseases, including cancer as the main cause of death in the modern aged population. The journal aims to promote 1) treatment of age-related diseases by slowing down aging, 2) validation of anti-aging drugs by treating age-related diseases, and 3) prevention of cancer by inhibiting aging. (Cancer and COVID-19 are age-related diseases.) Please visit our website at https://www.Aging-US.com​​ and connect with us: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AgingUS/ X - https://twitter.com/AgingJrnl Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agingjrnl/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AgingJournal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aging/ Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/AgingUS/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1X4HQQgegjReaf6Mozn6Mc MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM
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Nov 20, 2024 • 4min

Aging’s Commitment to Advancing Research: Sponsoring the “Future of Aging Research Mixer”

Aging (Aging-US) was a proud sponsor of the “Future of Aging Research Mixer 2024” hosted by the Aging Initiative at Harvard University on November 15 in Boston. This event united a vibrant community of students, researchers and technologists, all driven by a shared mission: advancing innovations in aging research and longevity science. Key Highlights from the Future of Aging Research Mixer 2024 The event kicked off with inspiring opening remarks and a keynote by George Church, professor at Harvard Medical School, founding member of the Wyss Institute, and co-founder of over 50 biotech companies. He was joined by Kat Kajderowicz, an MIT PhD student and Principal at age1. Together, they highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of aging research and its immense potential to drive transformative advancements. Jesse Poganik, HMS Instructor in Medicine and Executive Co-Director of the Biomarkers of Aging Consortium, discussed the evolution of aging science and the critical role biomarkers play in understanding aging processes and assessing the effectiveness of interventions aimed at slowing or reversing age-related changes. Alex Colville, co-founder and general partner at age1, explained how venture capital can accelerate innovation in longevity biotechnology. He shared career advice for aspiring researchers and paid tribute to his mentor, Dr. David Sinclair, a pioneer in aging research. These talks highlighted the importance of mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and investment in driving progress in the aging research field. Read the full summary - https://aging-us.org/2024/11/agings-commitment-to-advancing-research-sponsoring-the-future-of-aging-research-mixer/ About Aging-US The mission of the journal is to understand the mechanisms surrounding aging and age-related diseases, including cancer as the main cause of death in the modern aged population. The journal aims to promote 1) treatment of age-related diseases by slowing down aging, 2) validation of anti-aging drugs by treating age-related diseases, and 3) prevention of cancer by inhibiting aging. (Cancer and COVID-19 are age-related diseases.) Please visit our website at https://www.Aging-US.com​​ and connect with us: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AgingUS/ X - https://twitter.com/AgingJrnl Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agingjrnl/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AgingJournal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aging/ Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/AgingUS/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1X4HQQgegjReaf6Mozn6Mc MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM
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Nov 20, 2024 • 5min

Phenotypic and Epigenetic Clocks for Aging and Mortality

BUFFALO, NY- November 20, 2024 – This #review was #published by Aging (listed by MEDLINE/PubMed as "Aging (Albany NY)" and "Aging-US" by Web of Science), in Volume 16, Issue 17, titled, “A systematic review of phenotypic and epigenetic clocks used for aging and mortality quantification in humans.” This systematic review by Brandon Warner, Edward Ratner, Anirban Datta and Amaury Lendasse from Verseon International Corporation, University of Houston and Missouri University of Science and Technology, explores how biological clocks measure aging and predict mortality. These clocks are tools scientists use to track the body's aging process by identifying specific changes over time. This review analyzes 33 biological clocks proposed over the last decade, offering key insights into their design, accuracy, and clinical applications. The study categorizes these clocks into two types: epigenetic clocks, which track cellular aging through DNA changes, and phenotypic clocks, which assess physical biomarkers like blood pressure and cholesterol. These findings highlight the transformative potential of biological clocks in aging research and preventive healthcare. Epigenetic clocks have demonstrated impressive precision in estimating chronological age by analyzing DNA methylation, a key marker of cellular aging. These tools are also linked to age-related diseases, offering valuable insights into the aging process. Phenotypic clocks, which rely on common clinical measures, have been shown to better predict mortality and health outcomes. As the study highlights: “Phenotypic clocks have shown to be better predictors of mortality than chronological age and do so using easily measurable clinical variables.” Their affordability and ease of implementation make them especially practical for healthcare settings. The review also explores how advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, are enhancing the accuracy and utility of these clocks. For example, newer models now use neural networks to improve predictive performance and identify key aging biomarkers. Understanding biological age can help detect diseases earlier, tailor interventions, and encourage lifestyle changes to slow aging. By providing a clearer picture of individual aging processes, these clocks could lead the way toward personalized healthcare and improved health outcomes. The researchers call for further studies to make epigenetic clocks more affordable and expand the integration of phenotypic clocks into routine healthcare. In conclusion, this review underscores the transformative potential of biological clocks to redefine our understanding and management of aging. By addressing gaps in current research, it paves the way for future advancements in aging science and healthcare. DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206098 Corresponding author - Brandon Warner - bwarner@verseon.com Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrqk5HrljQ0 Subscribe for free publication alerts from Aging - https://www.aging-us.com/subscribe-to-toc-alerts About Aging-US The mission of the journal is to understand the mechanisms surrounding aging and age-related diseases, including cancer as the main cause of death in the modern aged population. The journal aims to promote 1) treatment of age-related diseases by slowing down aging, 2) validation of anti-aging drugs by treating age-related diseases, and 3) prevention of cancer by inhibiting aging. (Cancer and COVID-19 are age-related diseases.) Please visit our website at https://www.Aging-US.com​​ and connect with us: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AgingUS/ X - https://twitter.com/AgingJrnl Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agingjrnl/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AgingJournal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aging/ Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/AgingUS/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1X4HQQgegjReaf6Mozn6Mc MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM
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Nov 19, 2024 • 6min

Brain Aging and Alzheimer’s: Insights from Non-Human Primates

BUFFALO, NY- November 19, 2024 – A new #review was #published in Aging (listed by MEDLINE/PubMed as "Aging (Albany NY)" and "Aging-US" by Web of Science), on October 29, 2024, Volume 16, Issue 20, titled, ”Brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease, a perspective from non-human primates.“ In the review, Ferrer Isidro from the University of Barcelona and Reial Acadèmia de Medicina de Catalunya, explores the differences in brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease between humans and their closest evolutionary relatives, such as chimpanzees, baboons, and macaques. The study highlights that while humans are uniquely susceptible to severe cognitive decline and memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s disease, non-human primates typically experience only mild changes as they age. Alzheimer’s affects over 50 million people worldwide, making it crucial to understand how aging impacts the brain. This review sheds light on the differences between humans and non-human primates and reveals that while brain aging in primates involves some structural and protein changes, it does not result in the toxic protein deposits that drive Alzheimer’s in humans. In humans, harmful tau protein deposits, known as tau tangles, appear early in life and spread widely through the brain, which damages cells and contributes to memory loss. In non-human primates, tau tangles are rare and typically confined to small regions. While primates may develop beta-amyloid deposits—fragments derived from amyloid precursor protein—these deposits are less toxic and do not interact with tau tangles to trigger Alzheimer’s-like symptoms. Aging primates experience only mild memory or behavioral changes, avoiding the severe cognitive decline and dementia often seen in humans. Humans’ unique vulnerability to Alzheimer’s may be linked to traits that emerged through evolution, including larger brains, longer lifespans, and higher cognitive abilities. These adaptations may have come at a cost, making human brains more susceptible to aging-related damage. This review also suggests that tau tangles play a more critical role in Alzheimer’s progression than previously thought. While traditional treatments focus on targeting beta-amyloid deposits, this research highlights the need to shift attention to tau pathology. The work challenges the widely accepted amyloid cascade hypothesis, which suggests that beta-amyloid is the main driver of Alzheimer’s. Instead, it points to tau tangles as the initial and most damaging change in human brains. This insight could encourage new treatments that focus on preventing or reducing tau deposits. The findings also emphasize the value of studying non-human primates to understand why their brains are more resistant to severe aging-related damage. By identifying protective mechanisms in primates, researchers may discover new strategies to delay or prevent Alzheimer’s in humans. “These observations show that human brain aging differs from brain aging in non-human primates, and humans constitute the exception among primates in terms of severity and extent of brain aging damage.” In conclusion, this review not only improves our understanding of why humans are uniquely vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease but also opens new avenues for exploring innovative strategies to combat aging-related brain damage in humans. DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206143 Corresponding author - Ferrer Isidro - 8082ifa@gmail.com Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUN88OSsJes About Aging-US The mission of the journal is to understand the mechanisms surrounding aging and age-related diseases, including cancer as the main cause of death in the modern aged population. Please visit our website at https://www.Aging-US.com​​ and connect with us on social media. MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM
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Nov 13, 2024 • 4min

EphA2 Signaling in Eye Lens Aging: Wild-Type, Knockout, and Aging Mice

BUFFALO, NY- November 13, 2024 – A new #research paper was #published in Aging (listed by MEDLINE/PubMed as "Aging (Albany NY)" and "Aging-US" by Web of Science), on October 25, 2024, Volume 16, Issue 20, titled, ”Canonical ligand-dependent and non-canonical ligand-independent EphA2 signaling in the eye lens of wild-type, knockout, and aging mice.“ Researchers from the School of Optometry and Vision Science Program at Indiana University have uncovered important new insights into how the aging affects the eye lens and contributes to cataract formation, a condition impacting millions worldwide. This study focuses on the EphA2 protein, traditionally associated with cancer, which researchers have now identified as essential for maintaining the lens’s clarity and function as it ages. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide, primarily affecting older adults, yet the precise biological mechanisms behind their formation remain unclear. This research sheds light on the role of the EphA2 protein receptor in the eye lens, revealing that it operates through two distinct signaling pathways: a canonical (ligand-dependent) and a non-canonical (ligand-independent) pathway. By studying various groups of mice, including those lacking the EphA2 protein receptor and its ligand partner ephrin-A5, scientists observed how these signaling pathways change with age, affecting the organization and maturation of lens cells. Researchers Jenna L. Horner, Michael P. Vu, Jackson T. Clark, Isaiah J. Innis, and Catherine Cheng observed that EphA2’s canonical signaling, which organizes lens cells, remains stable in aging lens tissue, particularly in epithelial cells. They found that the non-canonical signaling pathway—previously associated primarily with aggressive cancer cells—increases with age in normal lens cells. This increase suggests that non-canonical signaling plays a crucial role in helping lens fiber cells mature and maintain their structure over time. “Here, we report that canonical ligand-mediated EphA2 activation is restricted to the lens epithelial cells and show the first evidence of physiological non-canonical EphA2 activity in a normal tissue.” This understanding could lead to new therapies targeting EphA2 to delay or prevent cataracts. In conclusion, this study represents a significant advance in understanding the cellular mechanisms behind lens aging and cataract development, potentially paving the way for new non-surgical cataract treatments. DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206144 Corresponding author - Catherine Cheng - ckcheng@iu.edu Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ScKLgOxQvA Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://aging.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Faging.206144 Subscribe for free publication alerts from Aging - https://www.aging-us.com/subscribe-to-toc-alerts Keywords - aging, fiber cells, epithelial cells, Y588, Y589, S897, phosphorylation, maturation, ephrin About Aging-US The mission of the journal is to understand the mechanisms surrounding aging and age-related diseases, including cancer as the main cause of death in the modern aged population. The journal aims to promote 1) treatment of age-related diseases by slowing down aging, 2) validation of anti-aging drugs by treating age-related diseases, and 3) prevention of cancer by inhibiting aging. (Cancer and COVID-19 are age-related diseases.) Please visit our website at https://www.Aging-US.com​​ and connect with us: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AgingUS/ X - https://twitter.com/AgingJrnl Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agingjrnl/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AgingJournal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aging/ Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/AgingUS/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1X4HQQgegjReaf6Mozn6Mc MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM
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Nov 12, 2024 • 5min

Validating an Electronic Frailty Index in a National Health System

BUFFALO, NY- November 12, 2024 – A new #research paper was #published in Aging (listed by MEDLINE/PubMed as "Aging (Albany NY)" and "Aging-US" by Web of Science), on October 24, 2024, Volume 16, Issue 20, titled, "Development and validation of an electronic frailty index in a national health maintenance organization." The study, led by researchers Fabienne Hershkowitz Sikron, Rony Schenker, Yishay Koom, Galit Segal, Orit Shahar, Idit Wolf, Bawkat Mazengya, Maor Lewis, Irit Laxer and Dov Albukrek from Meuhedet Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) in collaboration with colleagues from the Joint-Eshel Organization and the Israeli Ministry of Health, introduces the Meuhedet Electronic Frailty Index (MEFI)—a digital tool designed to assess frailty in older people and identify those most at risk for serious health outcomes, such as hospitalization or death. As people live longer, identifying those at higher risk for health complications is essential to maintaining quality of life in older age. Frailty, a condition marked by increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes, has emerged as a crucial predictor of health deterioration in older people. While frailty assessment tools exist, this study adapts and validates an Electronic Frailty Index (EFI) tailored specifically to Israeli data and healthcare infrastructure, enabling more targeted and culturally relevant assessments. The MEFI was developed using data from 120,986 individuals aged 65 and older, comprising different indicators, including physical, social, and cognitive deficits. The index classifies individuals as "fit," "mildly frail," "moderately frail," or "severely frail" and is integrated into Israel’s electronic health records system. Researchers found that patients with higher MEFI scores faced significantly increased risks of hospitalization or mortality within one year, with risk levels rising fourfold for the most frail compared to those classified as fit. According to the authors, “The findings also showed that the MEFI version we created is valid in predicting mortality or hospitalization and had better predictive accuracy compared to CCI,” underscoring its reliability in assessing health risks. This integration enables Meuhedet HMO to implement proactive and preventive care measures across its network. Beyond predicting hospitalization and mortality, the MEFI’s alignment with Israel’s National Social Security benefit system reinforces its validity and practical use. As the authors note, “As a health maintenance organization, our mandate is to help our patients live longer and better. Using the MEFI as part of routine primary care may help us achieve this goal.” By focusing on early intervention for those most at risk, MEFI could significantly impact health maintenance costs and enable clinicians to allocate resources more effectively. This new EFI version positions Israel at the forefront of frailty research, and its success could pave the way for other countries with similar healthcare systems to adopt or adapt the approach. Future steps include integrating MEFI as a routine part of primary care in Israel to ensure timely intervention and support as patients age. In summary, MEFI is a powerful tool that empowers Israel’s healthcare system to identify and support older adults most in need, marking a significant advancement in caring for an aging population. DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206141 Corresponding Author - Fabienne Hershkowitz Sikron - fabian_hershkowitz@meuhedet.co.il Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxIDuGI1cGc Please visit our website at https://www.Aging-US.com​​. MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM
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Nov 6, 2024 • 5min

How AI and Longevity Biotechnology are Revolutionizing Healthcare for Healthier, Longer Lives

Imagine a future where we not only live longer but stay healthy throughout those extra years. Thanks to recent breakthroughs in biotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, this vision is closer to becoming a reality. Advancements in Aging Research Aging research has made significant progress in recent years by combining disciplines like biology, technology, and medicine to tackle the challenges of extending healthspans and reducing age-related diseases. While people today live longer than ever before, extending our “healthspan”—the years we stay active and illness-free—remains challenging. AI and health biomarkers (biological indicators of our body’s condition) are now key tools in the pursuit of longer, healthier lives. In a recent paper, led by corresponding authors Yu-Xuan Lyu from Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen; Alex Zhavoronkov from Insilico Medicine AI Limited, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi; Morten Scheibye-Knudsen and Daniela Bakula from the Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, along with numerous other collaborators, the transformative potential of AI in aging research was explored. The research paper, titled “Longevity biotechnology: bridging AI, biomarkers, geroscience and clinical applications for healthy longevity,” was published as the cover paper in Aging’s Volume 16, Issue 20. Full blog - https://aging-us.org/2024/11/how-ai-and-longevity-biotechnology-are-revolutionizing-healthcare-for-healthier-longer-lives/ Paper DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206135 Corresponding authors - Yu-Xuan Lyu - lvyx@sustech.edu.cn, Alex Zhavoronkov - alex@insilico.com, Morten Scheibye-Knudsen - mscheibye@sund.ku.dk, and Daniela Bakula - bakula@sund.ku.dk Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hpfe5WJ5g7I Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://aging.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Faging.206135 Subscribe for free publication alerts from Aging - https://www.aging-us.com/subscribe-to-toc-alerts Keywords - aging, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, healthy longevity About Aging-US The mission of the journal is to understand the mechanisms surrounding aging and age-related diseases, including cancer as the main cause of death in the modern aged population. The journal aims to promote 1) treatment of age-related diseases by slowing down aging, 2) validation of anti-aging drugs by treating age-related diseases, and 3) prevention of cancer by inhibiting aging. (Cancer and COVID-19 are age-related diseases.) Please visit our website at https://www.Aging-US.com​​ and connect with us: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AgingUS/ X - https://twitter.com/AgingJrnl Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agingjrnl/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AgingJournal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aging/ Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/AgingUS/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1X4HQQgegjReaf6Mozn6Mc MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

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